Things to do in Kent this weekend to end the half term break on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6

by Angela Cole

With many indoor and outdoor sites now open across the county, there's suddenly lots to do with the family.

If you want to make the most of the last few days of half term with the kids, here's our guide to some things you could try:

Leeds Castle will be celebrating National Garden Wildlife Week this May half term
Leeds Castle will be celebrating National Garden Wildlife Week this May half term

Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Get your magnifying glasses and green fingers ready for the fun-filled outdoor garden themed activities from Saturday, May 29 to Sunday, June 6. Children can get their hands dirty and enjoy the great outdoors again by joining a Bug Safari. There will also be a Wildlife Trail with clues to find animal illustrations and hidden answers, while in the Sunflower Marquee near the Maze, younger visitors can plant their own sunflower seeds to take home and watch grow. Visit leeds-castle.com to pre-book your tickets.

Wildwood's otters are diving in to half term
Wildwood's otters are diving in to half term

Hever Castle, near Edenbridge

Learn about inventors, physics and archaeology during the castle's half term Discovery Week between Bank Holiday Monday, May 31 and Sunday, June 6. There will be three different shows for children to watch - and to find out what happens when science goes wrong with entertaining tricks, and the chance to get their hands dirty with an archaeological dig. Other activities including the Water Maze, Tudor Towers adventure playground and Acorn Dell play area will all be open. Book at hevercastle.co.uk

Birds of Prey displays are set to resume at Groombridge Place. Picture: Corinne Pardey
Birds of Prey displays are set to resume at Groombridge Place. Picture: Corinne Pardey

Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells

The grounds are open daily at half term. There is a forest to explore, adventure play areas and birds of prey displays are also at timed intervals. More here.

One of the bears takes a dip at Wildwood
One of the bears takes a dip at Wildwood

Wildwood Trust, Herne Bay

The wildlife conservation charity, and popular visitor attraction Wildwood Trust, is preparing for a summer of fun. Visitors’ favourite attractions at the park since reopening have been a brand new zipline at the playground and the joy of seeing brown bears Fluff and Scruff as they amble about their 1.5 acre woodland home from the bear bridge. Pre-book your visit at wildwoodtrust.org

Meet the animals at the Hop Farm
Meet the animals at the Hop Farm

Hop Farm Family Park, Beltring, Paddock Wood

There will be farm animals, rides and live entertainment at the family park from Saturday, May 29 to Sunday, June 6 for the half term holiday.

To find out more of what's on offer go to thehopfarm.co.uk

Peonies at Penshurst
Peonies at Penshurst

Penshurst Place & Gardens, near Edenbridge

With the house having reopened this week, the estate is fully back and running. During half term, the Peony Celebration will be available, where the 100m long Peony Border is expected to be blooming. Pre-book your visit at penshurstplace.com

National Trust half term activities Picture: National Trust Images/ James Dobson
National Trust half term activities Picture: National Trust Images/ James Dobson

National Trust

There are plenty of things to do to keep everyone busy, with scavenger hunts, spotter sheets, spring games and nature trails this half term at properties across the county. The whole family can appreciate the wonders of the natural world on a walk including playing games of hide-and-seek and trying a scavenger hunt. Properties are now mostly open, including inside areas, though not some smaller spaces. To find your nearest site click here.

The popular Sheep Show Picture: Andy Jones
The popular Sheep Show Picture: Andy Jones

Kent Life, Maidstone

There will be animal themed activities throughout half term on the working farm at Sandling near Maidstone from Saturday, May 29 to Sunday, June 6. Making a welcome return for 2021 will be the Sheep Show at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, including a shearing demonstration. Indoor areas are open and refreshments are available. Book your tickets here.

Margate Caves have reopened
Margate Caves have reopened

Margate Caves

Concealed beneath an ordinary road in Margate and accessed via a twisty 15m tunnel, the Margate Caves have reopened in time for half term, with their colourful cave paintings and murals dating back to Georgian times. Above the ground there is a café and sunny café, gift shop and an exhibition displaying the history of the caves. Prior booking is essential. Book at margatecaves.co.uk

For family attractions now open indoors across Kent click here

Read more from My Kent Family here

Share this story

COMPETITION

Win a football coaching session at Ballerz in Bluewater with former England star Rio Ferdinand


Helpful links

Local news